General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsGrowing old.
In the last two weeks I've spent a lot of time in both the dementia wings and the assisted living areas of a "Home" with my parents. I've gone through horror ... then fascination - to acceptance of what it's like. In the end I've seen so many positive moments that I'm overwhelmed and surprised.
My parents are amazing. As always, they've paved a fearless way.
Adaptation is what it's all about.
Jack Sprat
(2,500 posts)I am old already and headed their way.
mia
(8,361 posts)That's all I can say.
cliffordu
(30,994 posts)I hope I can keep my composure when the same happens to me.
Tell the parents I said howdy.
mia
(8,361 posts)Thank you.
Would that I be so winsome when faced by such a reality.
mia
(8,361 posts)They interact as new, great friends, neither one understanding a whit of what the other is saying. Yet, their body language portrays a conversation between brothers.
doublethink
(6,823 posts)And I get something different from it every time. Thank you for sharing this beautiful 'poem' of what you're dealing with and your life with us. Big hugs to you and your parents.
mia
(8,361 posts)Thank you for being there.
mokawanis
(4,442 posts)and was again reminded of the devastation dementia can visit on people. One of the patients, younger than me (54), has no verbal communication and extremely limited receptive language. When I provide care for people like that unfortunate man I am reminded of something a psychiatrist once told me: "A patient with advanced dementia has little ability to learn, but a tremendous capacity to teach."
mia
(8,361 posts)One never knows how last moments will be spent. In the end, those with so little left to give can make such a difference.
Their kindnesses radiate like nothing else.
Wilms
(26,795 posts)No Vested Interest
(5,167 posts)a nursing facility where my loved one came to be. At first it was to be temporary, but at another point we knew it was permanent.
I felt that I'd seen it all - the good, the bad, the happy, the sad, the funny.
Some staff were truly kind and gentle with their charges; some others were just doing a job, admittedly, not always an easy nor tidy job.
To the majority of nursing care staff, I salute the work they do day after day, for a not so great salary.
I came to see the residents as individuals, no longer strong and able to be independent as they would wish, but, mostly, still struggling on.
Some adapted, some not so much.
1983law
(213 posts)Katashi_itto
(10,175 posts)talkingmime
(2,173 posts)Javaman
(62,530 posts)Peace to your soul.
Watching my mom, a brilliant woman, deteriorate before my eyes was both heart wrenching and fascinating.
She couldn't even recognize photos of herself, but yet would talk fondly of events that took place 50 years ago as if they were yesterday.
She would repeat a 30 second loop of the same questions over and over, but when I would crack jokes here mind was still as sharp as ever and it would temporarily break that loop.
In the end, she passed away peacefully and her finally words were, "I love you". how amazing is that?
It's tough, my heart is with you.